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The mountainous area of Montserrat, near Barcelona, Spain, is home to the statue known as Our Lady of Montserrat or the Virgin of Montserrat. Legend holds that this statue was also once known as La Jerosolimitana ,Native of Jerusalem, because it was thought to have been carved there by St. Luke. This statue of Mary holding the Child Jesus was brought to Spain as a gift for the Bishop of Barcelona. When conflicts arose in the area, the statue was moved to protect it from invaders. It remained hidden and lost for over 100 years but was then said to have been found by a group of shepherds.

The center medal of the rosary shows Our Lady of Montserrat. The statue of Our Lady of Montserrat is categorized as one of the Black Madonnas.

The stamped crucifix adds beauty to the rosary.

Throughout history, pilgrims have come to Montserrat to see the statue. St. Ignatius of Loyola is said to have made a pilgrimage there each year. Today, Benedictine Monks welcome visitors to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat where the statue now sits above the high altar in the basilica.

The Virgin of Montserrat was declared the Patron Saint of the Diocese of Catalonia by Pope Leo XIII.

To learn more about rosaries, read The Rosary Collector’s Guide by Gloria Brady Hoffner and Helen Hoffner. This 152 page hardcover reference, published by Schiffer Books, has over 240 color photographs of unique rosaries, center medals, crosses, and crucifixes. The Rosary Collector’s Guide is available on Barnes and Noble.com, Amazon.com, the Catholic Faith Store Online, and other bookstores, religious article stores, and online sellers.